![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![THE Raven-Symoné And The 6 Times She Radiated Lead Character Energy IRL](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8zMzU3Mjg0MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc0NDI1NDc3OH0.WEec_7AaZM0xOlqlZG6o05JYT__dJJsm3j6RXc8OJ3s/img.jpg?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C140%2C0%2C3337)
THE Raven-Symoné And The 6 Times She Radiated Lead Character Energy IRL
One of my mentors once told me, "To be a Black woman is to show up in spaces as Beyoncé, just to prove that you're Beyoncé." I remember when she said it, a refreshing take from the usual "work twice as hard" mantra. In fact, safe spaces such as xoNecole exist for this reason: To let it unapologetically be known who really drives society in those moments when our accomplishments are watered down.
More specifically, in the case of Raven-Symoné, one of the most impactful women of our generation, to think she would be anything other than THE Raven-Symoné may be unfathomable for you and me, but believe it or not, there was a time when people questioned it even though the actress, singer-songwriter, and multi-hyphenate, now known as Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman-Maday, is revered as one of the greatestchild stars of all time.
For decades, she has carried our childhood classics, starring or appearing in movies/shows such as The Little Rascals, The Cheetah Girls, Doctor Dolittle, and so much more. Sis has been nominated for various Emmy Awards, served as a host for ABC's The View, racked up Kid’s Choice Awards, multiple Young Artist Awards, and has more NAACP Image Awards than I can count. Symoné has been GOATed since before she could talk, making her multi-generational career speak for itself.
Or, so one would think.
In 2002, she arrived at Disney at the young age of 15 to star in, produce, and creatively steer the reigns of That's So Raven, birthing one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. Yet, in a tale as old as time, according to her co-star, Anneliese van der Pol, the Disney Channel sitcom about a teen psychic in San Francisco was originally supposed to be quite different.
Van der Pol appeared on former fellow Disney star Christy Carlson Romano's podcast Vulnerable recently and broke down what "Raven" looked like.
"When I went into audition, the show was called Absolutely Psychic–it wasn't called That's So Raven at all," the actress revealed. "At the time, Raven wasn't the lead, she was the sidekick. They were looking for a lead. I came in to audition for the lead. I think the character's name was Molly. I auditioned, and a couple [of] other people auditioned. I didn't get the part — somebody else got the part — but when they filmed, they realized that Raven was the funniest one and had a following, and so they bumped her up to first position and started auditioning people again."
@christycarlsonromano Me and Anneliese are revealing some Disney secrets tomorrow over at @thevulnerablepodcast … stay tuned 👀 #ravenshome #anneliesevanderpol #disneychannel #foryou #fyp
Disney then shifted the focus to Symoné and held new auditions. "I went into a big cattle call, and I finally got the part. I think the character's name was like Molly, then Emma, and then it became Chelsea. And I think it was kind of like racism at a low level, if that's even a possibility. They couldn't really see a Black girl leading a show."
"With Disney, it's like, it's not personal, it's business," Romano responded.
Hm.
That's So Raven went on to air on the Disney Channel from 2003 to 2007, holding the title of the first Disney Channel show to hit the 100-episode mark...ever.
Ever.
Thankfully, Symoné's main character energy how she approaches life as well, proudly showing off the fact that she is a gem to our generation.
Like the time she decided to reboot 'That's So Raven,' and introduce a new generation to 'Raven's Home' (but this time as the boss).
Raven’s Home is in its sixth season and centers around the lead character, Raven Baxter, and her son Booker, who has inherited her psychic abilities, as they move to her hometown of San Francisco to look after her father, who suffered a mild heart attack.
“It feels so good to be able to see the journey of Raven Baxter as she is raising a teenage son, is taking care of her father, and finding who she is,” Raven-Symoné said. “I think that story can resonate with a lot of mothers as their children grow up. Just seeing what that means for her and how she decides to tackle life in that manner,” she told ESSENCE.
When she transitioned from hesitancy in revealing her sexuality, to openly putting on for the LGBTQ community.
@ravensymone #🌈 #fits #ootd
“While it was a selfish thing for me to keep my secret to myself for as long as I did, I am very happy that I’m out if only to help someone else feel comfortable,” Raven-Symoné revealed to Variety as part of their inaugural "Power of Pride" issue.
“It is about that one person who you’ll never see or meet who watches the show and feels that confidence to just say, ‘Hey, guess what? I’m gay. And if you can’t accept me, it’s okay because I see Raven pushing through.’ That feels good. It’s a hard journey, though. It’s difficult.”
Or the time she publicly opened up about depression and normalizing therapy because she knew her voice held weight.
On an episode of the podcast Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, Raven-Symoné and her wife Miranda discussed her defense mechanisms, their individual therapy journeys, and their struggles with depression.
"At 18, I told my parents I wanted to go to therapy,” which they didn’t quite understand. “Started there,” Raven continued, “got pretty much the understanding that I have PTSD and… I don’t have bipolar syndrome, but I have depression that is in that world, so took some medicines for that.” One of which she stopped taking after it resulted in finding herself “underneath a table while filming, and could not get up."
She continued:
“Growing up in the industry from the age of 16 months to 36 years old leaves an interesting trail of bread crumbs that can be used in a positive light for others, can help others, can inform others. And when it comes to me personally I’m dealing with that through my therapist.”
When she decided to take her health seriously and didn't want to make a big fuss about the weight loss that came with it.
The actress said her diet is one she has carefully educated herself on, adding, "I don't try to speak for anybody else."
"I'm not over here trying to be a little twig," the former The View co-host shared. "I'm not trying to be, like, 'Oh my God, look at me.' I have a goal in mind, and it's not just weight loss, it's really complete body health."
She continued:
"The way people were treating me while I was bigger was emotionally damaging. [After I lost weight] I remember the moment I went on the red carpet, and in my head, I was cussing everyone out. I'm like, 'Wow, now you want to look at me because I'm skinny, thanks.'"
And the time she recognized her hard work and the legacy she has built by just being herself.
Raven-Symoné was so ahead of her time and basically raised a generation of women through comedy. She told Entertainment Weekly:
"It didn't impact me as much then as it does now because I was 15, I was like, cool, I got my own show. It means so much now because I understand the [gravity] of what it means and the caliber of humans that I am in the pool with. I think it was kind of a good thing that I didn't let it go to my head. It was just about working and wanting to create great content at the time."
She continued, "Whether it's like a young Black girl saying, 'You gave me the confidence to do this or that because I loved Raven Baxter,' or if it's a grown gay man who is like, 'Wow, I had the hardest time coming out, but seeing you two gives me such joy,' it's really cool."
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for WIF (Women In Film)
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
For Crystal Obasanya, her wash day woes came shortly after her son did. The beauty and lifestyle content creator had been natural for years, but during postpartum, she quickly learned about one reality many mothers can relate to experiencing: postpartum hair loss. “Sis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,” she shared about her hair changes in a Reel via xoNecole.
Over a year into her postpartum journey, Crystal explained she also had dry, brittle hair, noting that keeping it hydrated before pregnancy had already been “a task.” The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as “devastating.” When it came to strengthening and revitalizing her hair, the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection was just the thing she needed to elevate her damaged coils to revive and thrive status and get them poppin' again.
SheaMoisture is providing us with the cheat code for transforming dry and damaged strands into thriving and deeply nourished crowns. By unveiling their 4-step hair system, the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is equipping you with the tools to reverse signs of hair damage caused by protective styling, heat, and color and is uniquely formulated for Type 3 and 4 hair textures.
The haircare system revives damaged natural hair by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds through a game-changing combination of HydroPlex Technology and AminoBlend Complex, a unique blend of fortifying amino acids formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 84% and make your hair six times stronger (vs. non-conditioning shampoo), the collection infuses your hair with the nourishment it craves and the strength it deserves.
All five products of the SheaMoisture Bond Collection are infused with natural strengthening ingredients like Amla Oil and fair-trade shea butter. The collection consists of the 4-step breakage-fighting Bond Repair system, as well as the Bonding Oil.
“When trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,” Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. “I also felt my hair strands were stronger.” So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. “I can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,” she added in the caption of her Reel about her positive experience using the products.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is making bond-building a key player in your wash day routines and the purveyor of life for thirsty manes. Because who doesn't want stronger, shinier, happier hair?
Step One: Bond Repair Collection Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Collection Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are powered by the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, SheaMoisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Collection Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Collection Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Featured image courtesy
15 Road Trip Must-Have Items For Your Next Cross-Country Adventure
There’s no better time than the summer to grab your girls — or go solo — and embark on a cross-city road trip.
Sure, it’s nice to sit poolside or go out to a day party, but there’s something special about putting together an itinerary, packing enough clothes and snacks to last you a few days, and setting off to a new, yet nearby, destination. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway to a neighboring town or a cross-country adventure, packing the right essentials is key to having a smooth and enjoyable journey.
From haircare to snacks, backpacks, and chargers, preparing your packing list will ensure you’re fully equipped for an unforgettable experience. So, before you fill up your tank and pack your weekend bags, we'll walk you through the must-have items to keep handy while hitting the open road.
Cécred Travel-Size Double Cleanse Kit With Moisturizing Deep Conditioner
If you’re looking for a travel-friendly, compact way to store your haircare products while away from home conveniently, Beyoncè’s Cécred brand has you covered. The clarifying shampoo and scalp scrub help to revive and renew your hair and scalp, providing your hair with the deep clean it craves. The hydrating shampoo is infused with hyaluronic acid. It provides deep hydration, while the deep conditioner is enriched with an African oil blend and shea butter, leaving your hair revalidated while you’re on the road.
JBL Clip 4 Eco
Amazon
When your friends ask, “Who’s on the Aux?” you can smile with the pleasure of knowing you’re providing the vibes. Enhance your road trip soundtrack with the JBL Clip 4 Eco, a portable and eco-friendly Bluetooth speaker. Its compact size and carabiner clip make it easy to attach to your bag or vehicle, providing high-quality sound wherever you go.
Olipop Sparkling Tonic Variety Pack
Amazon
Stay refreshed and enjoy a healthy beverage option with the Olipop 6-Flavor Sparkling Tonic Variety Pack. These tonics are a delicious, gut-friendly alternative to traditional sodas, perfect for keeping you hydrated and satisfied during your drive.
Baggu Packing Cube Set
Amazon
Organize your luggage efficiently with the Baggu Packing Cube Set. These durable, lightweight cubes help you compartmentalize your clothes and accessories, making it easy to find what you need without unpacking everything. They are perfect for keeping your road trip essentials neat and accessible.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs for Noise Reduction
Amazon
These Loop Quiet Ear Plugs are designed to reduce noise, making them perfect for blocking out traffic sounds, snoring travel companions, or noisy environments. They are comfortable and discreet, providing you with the quiet you need to rest or focus during your trip.
Kodak Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Instant Photo Printer + 68 Sheets Bundle
Amazon
Capture and print your road trip memories instantly with the Kodak Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Instant Photo Printer. This compact printer allows you to print high-quality photos directly from your smartphone. The bundle includes 68 sheets, so you can create physical keepsakes of your journey and share them with friends and family on the go.
Curology Gel Moisturizer
Our skincare routine doesn’t stop just because we’re on the road! Add this lightweight, everyday moisturizer to your travel bag to stay on top of your skin goals.
LesserEvil Organic Popcorn, Himalayan Pink Salt
Snack smart with LesserEvil Organic Popcorn in Homer's Blend. This tasty and healthy popcorn is made with organic ingredients and offers a satisfying crunch without the guilt, making it a perfect road trip snack.
Sagely Naturals Calm & Centered CBD Cream
After a long day of fun, you’ll probably be looking for a way to bring some ease back into your body. For moments like this, Sagely Naturals Calm & Centered CBD Cream is a great option, featuring calming lavender oil and chamomile oil. This cream absorbs quickly into the skin, providing a soothing and natural way to keep your skin moisturized and calm during your travels.
iWALK USB-C Portable Charger
Amazon
A reliable portable phone charger is a lifesaver, especially when you're using your phone for navigation, music, and emergency calls. Keep your devices powered on the go with the iWALK USB-C Portable Charger. Compact and efficient, this portable charger ensures your gadgets stay charged throughout your journey.
LOVE CORN Sea Salt Crunchy Corn Pack
Amazon
For a crunchy and savory treat, bring along a bag of LOVE CORN Sea Salt. These delicious, crunchy corn kernels are a great alternative to traditional chips and are perfect for snacking on the go.
Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag — Mini
Baboon to the Moon
Pack your essentials in style with the Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag — Mini. This durable and versatile bag is perfect for short trips or as an additional carry-on. Its compact size and multiple compartments make it ideal for organizing your belongings and keeping everything easily accessible.
Bed Head by TIGI Hair Wax Stick
Amazon
When you’re out on excursions, hikes, or driving with the top down, the last thing you want to think about is your hair’s flyaways. TIGI Hair Wax Stick is the “OG” in the wax stick category, with a stronghold that will leave your hair smooth, laid, and frizz-free.
Crosswordese
Amazon
Keep your mind sharp and entertained during long drives with Crosswordese, a fun and challenging crossword puzzle book. Perfect for downtime at rest stops or in the evenings, this book offers hours of engaging brain exercises to keep you entertained on the road.
Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer
Saie
Protect your skin while staying radiant with the Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer. This light-coverage moisturizer provides hydration and sun protection, making it perfect for road trips where you’re exposed to varying weather conditions. Its tinted formula evens out your skin tone, giving you a natural, healthy glow.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by PeopleImages/Getty Images